173. In reply, the representative stated that the principle of consaieotious objection was accepted and that the length of alternative service was twice the length of military service. The matter was currently under judicial review. The’regietration of churches, faiths and religious communities was an automatic procedure and all of them enjoyed equal protection of the law. However, protection was a160 given against pseudo-religious organisations that caused harm to children. 174. In regard to that issue , members of the Committee wished to know how the right to seek information envisaged in article 19 (2) of the Covenant was guaranteed7 whether there was any legislation to regulate professional secrecy as provided for under article 20 (1) (d) of the Constitution; whether any legislative measures were being Considered to give effect to article 20 of the Covenants whether sentences passed in relation to the exercise of freedom of expression were perceived as a restriction on such freedomi whether the standards of libel applied were more flexible when the reputation of people in public life was involved; whether legislation existed allowing privaLe individuals to obtain information from the authorities; what procedures governed the granting of television concessions to the private sector; and whether measures had been taken to en6ure the political neutrality of the channels. 175. Replying to questions raised concerning article 20 of the Spanish Constitution, the representative said that the right to freedom of the press government and Parliament were could be invoked directly before the courts. of the opinion that no legislation was the best legislation where information was concerned: this explains why to date there was no legislation on the press or the media. Freedom of the press was limited only by the provisions of the Penal Code and a law on the protection of honour. The Constitutional Court had ruled that freedom of expression and the right to information overrode the right to honour. ‘Lhere was general agreement among politicians that the law should be amended to make serious slanders on political personalities no longer liable to prison sentences but only to fines. The Spanish Administration was required to make available to the public any information in its possession, limited only by the Official Secrets Act. No press organ was in state ownership and the number of concessions had been limited to prevent groups or individuals gaining control of those media. Autonomous regions each Impartiality was had the right to set up their own television channel. guaranteed by the channels’ boar& of directors, which were maae up of representatives of the various political parties, Violation of the channels' political neutrality during election campaigns constituted an electoral offence, Administrative penalties were the responsibility of the Mnister of Transport, Tourism, and Communications and could be appealed before the courts. of assemblv * . 176. With regard to that issue , members of the Committee wished to receive information concerning the sentencing of OuarBia_.Civil member6 to comparatively heavy terms of imprisonment for having tried to form a trade more WliOtl. -43-